Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has clarified that the government under President Nana Akufo-Addo has no intention of legalizing commercial passenger services provided by motorcycles, commonly known as ‘Okada’ in Ghana. Dr. Bawumia emphasized the government’s commitment to encouraging Okada riders to transition from the risky business of motorcycle riding to a safer means of transportation. He suggested that a viable alternative would be to facilitate a leasing system, allowing riders to lease vehicles and pay over time.
Addressing concerns about the lack of capital for potential lessees, Dr. Bawumia proposed the implementation of new leasing policies, leveraging national ID cards with digital addresses to establish a credit system. This, he believes, would provide a safer and more sustainable option for those involved in Okada riding, discouraging them from pursuing this risky profession after completing driving school.
While acknowledging that the decision not to legalize Okada business may be perceived as tough, Dr. Bawumia asserted that it is in the best interest of Ghanaians. He emphasized the government’s commitment to offering a better alternative to Okada riding and urged stakeholders to provide an opportunity for riders to lease vehicles instead.
The statement was made during the collaboration between Volkswagen and Blackivy to introduce Volkswagen’s newly assembled automobiles in Ghana on September 16, 2020. Previous reports had suggested that the Ministry of Transportation would hold final consultations on the legalization of the Okada business in October, with a subsequent report forwarded to Cabinet for consideration.
The second phase of the consultations would involve stakeholders in newly-created regions, including Bono East, Ahafo, Western North, Savannah, North East, and Oti Regions. Notable organizations and entities, such as the Center for Democratic Development (CDD), Danquah Institute, Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC), Centre for Policy Analysis (CEPA), Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), and political parties, were identified to be part of the consultation process.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the final stage of stakeholder engagement was expected to commence in October 2020, with a subsequent report presented before Cabinet for consideration. The issue of Okada gained prominence after the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), former President John Mahama, pledged to legalize and regulate it if elected in the December 7, 2020 polls.
